New Betta - finrot?!

[koko]

Hi everyone!

I just bought my betta yesterday. He seemed healthy when I examined him in the pet store - fiesty attitude, active, fins opened up wide, no spots on the body, etc. I did notice, however, that his fins were slighty ragged at the ends, but no splitting or bad fraying. Today his back tail fin has already split in two, and I see another split coming. I have no idea what it could be - thought his fins could've gotten caught in the plastic plant and gotten shredded. After closer examination under a bright lamp, I noticed that his tail fin, which have been shredding, have greyish, black tips. I think it could be finrot.

His water was absolutely filthy when I got him at the pet store. I had immediately changed his water and he seems quite happy in his new environment, if not super hyper/active.

His fins were soo beautiful just last night, now they're getting ragged and torn. I notice a slightly brownish spot at the base of his upper fin (perhaps it's going to split there too?!) and these strange dark specks on his lower fins. I have two weeks to return the fish according to the store policies. Should I try to treat the finrot (with salt perhaps?) or just return him to the store for another fish?

Is epsom salt a good method to treat this and how long would it take for the fins to regenerate?

Thanks everyone - I know these are a handful of questions but I just don't want to take him back asap without weighing the options first. You help would be appreciated!!!! - Kari.

 

[platyperson]

I think you could use melafix, Keep him warm meanwhile.

 

[SRC]

Yo can add some salt, and give him a salt dip.

To add salt use 1 tsp per 1 gallon.

To give a dip add 4 tsp of sat to 1 gal of water, put your fish in and leave him from 10 - 30 min..depending on how he is acting. If he starts darting around or rolls over take him out immediantly and put in fresh water. Then try lowering the dose of salt until he acts like nothingis wrong, but the higher the dose of salt the better the dip.

Don't use Epsom Salt..that's what you use when they are constipated...use Aquarium Salt, they sell it at Walmart. It comes in a Pink and White, little pint sized, milk carton.

give him 1 week and 5 days atleast .

 

[koko]

Hellooo Platyperson and SRC! Thanks soo much for the quick reply!! Will try the salt bath, pronto. I'm kinda nervous because I've never treated a sick fish before. I hope he responds well (I'm getting attached to him already, hehe).

By the way, what is Melafix? - Kari.

 

[platyperson]

Melafix is a medicine, but im not really sure if it can cure finrot
No ned to be worried about treating fish. They usually show improvement just a little while after you start treating

 

[BettaMomma]

Hi - MY what a gorgeous betta you have there. Wow.

Anyhow - if he's acting that great besides the tail rot - you should be able to cure him pretty easily, and enjoy a very happy healthy little guy. It just seems like he's had poor water conditions thus far in life, so it's no wonder his fins are diseased.

Please don't return him to the store - you have EXCELLENT chances of getting him healthy, and rather quickly I might add. Besides, i'm quite certain he loves his new home with you.

First, I was just wondering what kind of tank you have him in.
While he's got fin rot, you'll need to make sure to keep his tank VERY clean. and warm. (I would do a 100% complete water change right away, then another one in about 3 days, then again after 3 days), then taper off to the regular cleaning schedule.
If you don't just have him in a little tiny bowl, a really really good investment is a little tank heater by Hydor. They run about 10 - 12$ and they can warm up the tank water by as much as 5 degrees.

I also have tried MelaFix, but haven't had very good results with it - it takes forEVER for that stuff to work. But - I think if you use it in combination with clean, warm water your chances of quicker success are pretty good.

Good luck!

OH - and one other thing I was going to say - I've tried ALL sorts of decorations, plants, etc. - and the only ones that I have had success with is silk plants - they love the taller silk plants that come within an inch or 2 of the top of the tank, they love to swim up and beach on them. I usually avoid any decorations other than the plants, cuz my poor little guys have had everything from eye injuries to large scrapes down their sides from plaster-type decorations.

and ONE last little thing - if you don't start seeing success with the clean water and melafix within a few days, you might want to consider (after your next water change) starting a treatment of Maracyn. (You don't have to get Maracyn Two - that's much harder on fish) - just Maracyn. Make sure that if you do go that route, you scale down the amount you need to use to be correct with your tank size. Maracyn works wonders for popeye (which - unfortunately your fishy might also develop from being in that murky water for a while) and finrot.

You can also PM me anytime if you have other questions